Green Budget FY2015 1% for the Environment Green Budget Fiscal Year 2015

GREENFY2015 BUDGET Organizations that Endorse the Green Budget

Appalachian Mountain Club Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust Arborway Coalition Mass Audubon Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Berkshire Natural Resources Council Massachusetts Climate Action Network Boston Harbor Island Alliance Massachusetts Congress of Lake and Pond Associations Boston Park Advocates Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance Buzzards Bay Coalition Massachusetts Horticultural Society Charles River Conservancy Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition Charles River Watershed Association Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Clean Water Action MA Scientists (MOSES) Conservation Law Foundation Massachusetts Rivers Alliance Emerald Necklace Conservancy Massachusetts Sierra Club Environment Mass Mystic River Watershed Association Environmental Business Council Nashua River Watershed Association Esplanade Association Neponset River Watershed Association Essex County Greenbelt Association New England Wild Flower Society Franklin Land Trust North and South Rivers Watershed Association Franklin Park Coalition OARS: For the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord Rivers Friends of Alewife Reservation Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Friends of the Blue Hills Sudbury Valley Trustees Green Decade Newton Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association Hilltown Anti-Herbicide Coalition The Nature Conservancy - Massachusetts Jones River Watershed Association The Trustees of Reservations Lakes & Ponds Association of Western Massachusetts

Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 1% for the Environment Green Budget Fiscal Year 2015

Nancy Goodman \\ Erica Mattison

February 2014 Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1

Executive Summary ...... 2

FY2015 Funding Priorities: Summary Recommendations ...... 4

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ...... 5

Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) ...... 11

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) ...... 17

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) ...... 21

Executive Office of Administration and Finance (A&F) ...... 22

“Nature is inexhaustibly sustainable if we care for it. It is our universal responsibility to pass a healthy earth onto future generations.” – Sylvia Dolson

Cover photo credits Interior photo credits Bicyclist, Chestnut Hill Reservoir, MA: Erica Mattison, ELM p . 3: Charlie Wyman . Courtesy of Mass Audubon Baby, Revere Beach, MA: Eugenia Gibbons, ELM p . 5: MA Dept . of Environmental Protection Lady slippers: Ken Sturm/U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service p . 6: Erica Mattison, ELM Children exploring nature: Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center— p . 7: Crugnale Properties LLC Mass Audubon© p . 9: MA Toxics Use Reduction Institute Kayaking group, Concord River, Concord, MA: Dave Griffin . Courtesy p . 10: MA Dept . of Environmental Protection of Mass Rivers Alliance p . 12: David Mussina . Courtesy of Friends of Alewife Reservation Chestnut Hill Reservoir, MA: Erica Mattison, ELM p . 14: Marianna Hagbloom . Pictured: Middlesex Fells Reservation, MA Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, MA: Matt Poole/USFWS p . 15: MA Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs . Farmer’s Market Tomatoes, MA: MA Executive Office of Energy & Pictured: Leominster State Forest, MA Environmental Affairs p . 16: Erica Mattison, ELM Piping Plover: Matt Poole/U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service p . 17: MA Dept . of Fish and Game Solar Panels: MA Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs p . 18: MA Dept . of Fish and Game p . 19: Ron Holmes/U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service p . 21: Erica Mattison, ELM . Pictured: Hadley, MA p . 22: Courtesy of MassGIS

Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 February 2014

Dear Legislators and Colleagues:

Three simple facts are indisputable and interrelated .

First, in the aggregate, state spending on environmental protection is less than 1% of the entire state budget . In the past decade, state agencies including the Departments of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Recreation, and Fish and Game have borne deep cuts that have not been fully restored . For a progressive state such as Massachusetts, spending less than 1% is a disgrace .

Second, if Superstorm Sandy had moved a few miles further north, Boston and the Massachusetts coastline — instead of New York and New Jersey — would have been devastated . The urgency of dealing with the destructive nature of climate change is readily apparent . More and more is being asked of state agencies, but state agencies cannot achieve their mission without adequate funding . You cannot do more with less…you can only do less with less .

Third, there is an inextricable link between investment in environmental protection and the economy . Every dollar we invest in the environment yields a four dollar return, according to a recent report by The Trust for Public Land . With over 5,500 clean energy firms in Massachusetts, this sector now employs approximately 80,000 workers and represents the fastest growing segment of our economy, according to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center . If Massachusetts can lead the nation with the first offshore wind farm, we will create even more new businesses and jobs that develop new technology in solar, wind, and energy efficiency .

Outdoor recreation in Massachusetts is a $10B industry . Agriculture, forestry, and fishing represent another $13B . And if we finally build a 21st century transit system, weatherize older buildings, and modernize our infrastructure to fix gas pipe leaks and our failing water system, we will not only protect our environment but also put the building trades to work .

Businesses locate and expand in Massachusetts, not because we are a low-cost state, but because of our talented workforce and quality of life . We must protect our rivers, beaches, forests, and parks if we are to attract the companies and retain the talent that will grow our economy . The connection between the environment and the economy should not be ignored .

The bottom line is a triple bottom line . Spending on environmental agencies will protect our environment, strengthen our economy, and make our Commonwealth safer and healthier . But to enjoy a return on investment, we must first make the investment . It starts with this budget .

Sincerely,

George Bachrach Nancy Goodman Erica Mattison President Vice President for Policy Legislative Director

1 GREEN BUDGET FY2015 Executive Summary

Our annual Green Budget How much of the MA budget is beng invested to protect our environment? recommendations seek to ensure that the agencies responsible for protecting 1.6% public health and our natural resources 1.4% have sufficient funding to carry out an increasingly broad array of critical 1.2% responsibilities . 1% 1% .9% .84% .79% .75% .74% .77% Last year, the Massachusetts .8% .73% .71% .73% .60% .60% Legislature increased funding for the .58% .57% .6% environmental agencies by over $12M, an increase of 6% over FY2013 . .4% Despite this step forward, as the .2% state budget has increased overall during the past number of years, 0% FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY 2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 environmental agency funding has not kept pace and continues to This chart represents the percentage of the Massachusetts budget that is invested to protect our environment. The data is based on the General Appropriations Act and does not include supplemental budget ﬁgures or 9C cuts. To make accurate comparisons between years, this report does not include the budgets for the Department of Public Utilities and Division of lag . Our natural resources, residents, Energy Resources that were combined with the Executive Ofﬁce of Environmental Affairs six years ago. These agencies are largely funded through assessments, and so have not been subject to cuts at the same levels as the other environmental visitors, and economy feel the impact agencies. of these cuts . *In FY2001, 1% of the state budget was allocated for environmental agencies ($225.3M of the state’s $22.4B budget). *In FY2014, just 0.6% of the state budget was allocated for environmental agencies ($203.7M of the state’s $34.1B budget). We call for a restoration of environmental funding to 1% of the state budget. This Green Budget highlights priority programs and Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec activities that have been negatively impacted by substantial budget cuts and are in need of heightened investment. Camp Sites

Now only open Memorial Day – Labor Day Breakdown of Funding by Agency NOW ONLY OPEN: In FY2014, the environmental agencies’ budgets were Possible with increased funding: Memorial Day – Labor Day mid-April – mid-October 6% lower than they were in FY2008 . Of note, is that the % Change two largest agencies, the Department of Environmental FY2008 to POSSIBLE Protection and the Department of Conservation and FY2008 FY2014SkatingFY2014 Rinks WITH INCREASED FUNDING: mid-April – mid-October Recreation, have borne the deepest cuts . Now don’t open EOEEA $23.3 M $24.7 M until mid-Oct.6% The Green Budget details the important work carried out by our environmental agencies and highlights new DEP $60.0 M $56.5 M Possible with-6 % increased fundng: programs and responsibilities that need support . With cuts DFG $19.2 M $23.2 M open in early17% Sept. NOW DON’T OPEN to federal funding and expanded mandates such as the DCR $96.8 M $79.8 M -21% until mid-October Sustainable Water Management Initiative and dam safety requirements, our environmental agencies require DAR $17.7 M $19.4 M 9% POSSIBLE WITH INCREASED FUNDNG: additional resources to survive and thrive . TOTAL $217.1 M $203.7 M -6% open in early Sept. By investing in environmental programs, we safeguard our natural resources while improving public health, creating Funding for MA environmental agencies is down Municipal6% Dams compared to FY2008.State Dams jobs, complying with federal law, generating tourism revenue, and enhancing quality of life . High or High or signiﬁcant signiﬁcant hazard hazard potential potential 2 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY201576% 69%

% Change FY2008 to FY2008 FY2014 FY2014

EOEEA $23.3 M $24.7 M 6% DEP $60.0 M $56.5 M -6% DFG $19.2 M $23.2 M 17% DCR $96.8 M $79.8 M -21% DAR $17.7 M $19.4 M 9% TOTAL $217.1 M $203.7 M -6% Executive Summary, cont’d.

FY2014 Agency Highlights

Dept. of Environmental Protection • In the process of instituting a ban on food waste from large commercial facilities . Made $3M in low-interest loans available to private companies building anaerobic digestion facilities that will produce energy from this waste .

• Since 2010, DEP’s technical staff have reviewed and permitted solar projects at 46 closed landfills with the potential to generate more than 86 megawatts of electricity annually .

Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Brothers Pond, • Hosted the Head of the Charles Rowing Regatta, which attracts over 9,000 athletes and 300,000 spectators Attleboro

to the Boston area, and Boston’s Fourth of July

Spectacular — attended by over half a million people .

• Provided post-storm emergency response and public Dept. of Fish and Game safety services . • Commissioner’s Office: Supported the 480-acre Maple • Stormwater Management: Prevented flooding, restored Hill Farm Conservation Project in West Stockbridge, polluted streams, and beaches and met federal which includes habitat for several state-listed species of obligations by inspecting and cleaning approximately rare plants and animals . 3,800 catch basins . • Division of Ecological Restoration: Obtained a $10 .4M • Office of Watershed Management: Updated the award from the U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service from statewide Drought Management Plan, which will help the Superstorm Sandy funding to complete four ecological Commonwealth better anticipate and prepare for water restoration projects in southeastern MA, which will help supply shortages, fire danger, and streamflow impacts . protect our coasts and generate an estimated 181 jobs and $25 .4M in economic output for the MA economy . Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs • Division of Marine Fisheries: Over the past 10 years, this division’s work has generated over $20M in federal relief • Office of Technical Assistance: Over 350 funds for Massachusetts fishermen . recommendations provided to companies in FY2013 have already been implemented, helping increase Dept. of Agricultural Resources regulation compliance, reduce energy and water consumption, and prevent pollution . • Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program: Permanently protected over 840 farms with a total land area of nearly 70,000 acres of prime working landscapes . In FY2013, APR helped permanently conserve more than 1,350 acres of farmland .

• The Farm Viability Enhancement Program: In FY2013, the program provided technical assistance to 14 farms, all of which completed business plans . Of these, 13 farms received funding and were placed under agricultural covenants, resulting in the protection of more than 860 acres .

3 FY2015 Funding Priorities: Summary Recommendations

FY13 FY14 FY15 Recommended Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 2200-0100 DEP Administration $25,624,684* $28,354,269 $33,696,542 2200-0107 Recycling & Solid Waste Management $375,000 $375,000 $1,459,987 2260-8870 Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup $13,459,639* $13,611,481 $16,525,923 2210-0105 Toxics Reduction1 $3,120,894 $3,120,894 $3,532,043 2260-8881 Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals $385,030 $384,470 $412,879

Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 2800-0101 Watershed Management $1,010,223 $1,010,223 $1,455,310 2800-0401 Stormwater Management $397,738 $405,042 $896,643 2800-0700 Office of Dam Safety $354,153 $355,263 $435,428 2810-0100 State Parks & Recreation $39,929,387* $42,554,957 $53,748,330 2800-0501 Seasonal Staff $12,456,552 $12,651,578 $14,651,578

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) 2300-0100 Office of the Commissioner $708,559* $869,9792 $835,668 2300-0101 Division of Ecological Restoration $416,770* $494,488 $650,000 2310-0300 Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program $150,000 $150,000 $250,000 2330-0100 Division of Marine Fisheries $4,812,8373 $5,509,0394 $5,387,887

Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) 2511-0100 DAR Administration $4,722,151* $5,336,426 $5,506,927

Executive Office of Administration and Finance (A&F) 1790-xxxx5 Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS) N/A N/A $700,000

1 Funding for this line-item is through retained revenues from fees and penalties on industry . The funds support the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), and DEP toxics use reduction work . The FY14 line-item total is $3,120,894; of that amount at least $644,096 is allocated to OTA and $1,657,449 is passed through to TURI at UMass Lowell, with the remaining funding supporting DEP’s toxics work . We recommend funding OTA at $1,055,245 in FY2015 to restore some of the deep cuts borne by the program and level fund TURI . *Includes 9C cuts 2 Includes one-time $150k grant program for port recovery . 3 Includes one-time earmark of $425,000 . 4 Includes one-time earmark of $675,000 . 5 We propose the creation of a new line-item .

4 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) DEP Administration 2200-0100

FY 2013 with 9C cuts FY 20141 FY 2015 Recommended $25,624,684 $28,354,269 $33,696,542

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Workforce is responsible for implementing the Commonwealth’s 80% of DEP’s state funding and 33% of federal funding environmental laws and protecting our air, water, land, received by DEP supports staffing needs . Any significant and health from environmental threats . Through the reduction to either the state appropriation or federal dollars department’s essential programs, DEP: undermines the department’s ability to adequately carry • Makes our air cleaner and healthier by reducing levels out its programs and enforcement activities . and toxicity of air emissions; DEP’s mandate under the federal Clean Water Act • Ensures safe drinking water for all Commonwealth requires regular water body monitoring and development residents; of detailed plans to address pollution in each compromised • Monitors water quality and quantity in our rivers, lakes water body . The program is currently operating with and streams; just 30% of the optimal staff level.

• Protects wetlands and waterways by administering and Looking to next year, DEP will have primary responsibility enforcing the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act; for implementing a new Sustainable Water • Ensures emergency response when hazardous waste Management Initiative — the result of a four year spills threaten public health and safety; and process that is drawing to a close and will result in better stewardship of our water resources, with an emphasis • Through inspections and permitting, regulates on protecting drinking water supply and streamflow . To Massachusetts recycling and composting operations, robustly implement the program, it is estimated that DEP as well as solid waste transfer stations, landfills, and will need five new staff members . municipal waste combusters . Previous cuts to DEP’s funding have resulted in: Funding History • Water quality monitoring being severely compromised; To support effective implementation of DEP’s core programs, it is vital to fully fund DEP’s operating accounts . • Delays in analyses supporting drinking water safety, We are encouraged that the Legislature provided quality of recreational water and air quality; funding last year to maintain current levels of permit and • Continued reductions to solid waste management compliance staff, including a new $2 .5M retained revenue programs; account . • Delay in attainment of federal air quality standards; DEP relies on a combination of the annual state • Slippage in fulfilling EPA grant commitments, potentially appropriation and federal grant dollars to provide funding undermining future grant awards; for virtually all of the core programs that support its • Reduction in Brownfields site development assistance to environmental mission . Unfortunately, recent gains on the developers and municipalities; and operating side of the budget have been eroded by losses on the federal side . Several of DEP’s federal grants were • Less discovery and assessment of the dangers of leaking cut in FY2013 as a result of sequestration and related underground storage tanks . federal budget cuts, with further cuts still expected .

1 Includes $482,000 in pass-through earmarks .

5 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Recycling and Solid Waste Management 2200-0107

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $375,000 $375,000 $1,459,987

DEP provides technical and financial Since FY2008, staff levels have been reduced from 19 assistance to businesses and communities to to 10 . Among other needs, additional staff is needed to help reduce waste and establish and maintain administer and track municipal recycling grants that are cost-effective recycling programs. funded by waste-to-energy credits . DEP also enforces the state’s disposal bans which are In spite of work to streamline permit requirements for some designed to keep toxic materials out of the waste stream, solid waste management facilities, this work has increased prevent the disposal of valuable recyclable materials, and over the last several years, particularly as interest has preserve capacity at landfills . grown in redeveloping closed landfills for renewable energy production . Since 2010, DEP staff have reviewed and Funding History & Needs permitted solar panel projects at 46 closed landfills . In FY2008, the budget for recycling and solid Environmental & Economic Benefits waste management was more than $2M. By FY2013, the budget was cut to Massachusetts residents and business spend over a mere $375,000. $300M annually to dispose of solid waste — most of which can be recycled . By converting raw materials into products, recycling creates jobs, builds more competitive manufacturing industries and adds significantly to the Massachusetts economy . More than 14,000 people in Town of Harwich Massachusetts work in the recycling industry, which has Recycling Center annual revenues of $3 .2B 1. With a relatively small increased investment in recycling, we would see growth in recycling, based businesses and jobs .

The Commonwealth has set a goal of reducing solid waste disposal by an additional 2 million tons by 2020 . By achieving this goal, we can reduce the equivalent of 3 .5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and save enough energy to power 1 .4 million homes annually .

1 U.S. Recycling Information Study, prepared for the Northeast Recycling Council, February 2009

6 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup 2260-8870

FY 2013 with 9C cuts FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $13,459,639 $13,611,481 $16,525,923

DEP’s Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup oversees redevelopment potential . Since its creation in 2008, the the Commonwealth’s assessment and BST has provided assistance for redevelopment projects cleanup of contaminated sites and provides in Worcester, Fall River, Haverhill, Springfield, Grafton, 24/7 emergency response to spills of oil and Chelmsford, Somerville, Brockton, Attleboro, Gardner, chemicals that pose environmental threats. and Chicopee . More than 40,000 hazardous waste sites and spills located throughout the Commonwealth have been Federal Funding Cuts reported to the Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Bureau Waste site cleanup efforts in Massachusetts have been since 1993 . hindered not only by insufficient state funding but also by years of cuts to EPA grants that supplemented state For anyone living or working nearby, funds . For instance, we’ve seen a 25% cut in federal these sites can pose serious risks, such as brownfields response grants over the past five years . contaminated private drinking water wells and vapor intrusion. Due to sequestration reductions and anticipated EPA budget reductions, further declines are expected for grant More than 36,000 sites have been remediated since funding that supports the Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup . 1993 . Approximately 6,000 sites are “open” at any one time, meaning they are in the process of being cleaned up . In 2013, 1,246 new sites were reported, and clean up of 1,181 sites was completed . Case Study: Attleboro Funding History The Brownfields Support Team has supported the development of an intermodal transportation center and Over the last several years, this program has suffered surrounding transit-oriented, mixed-use developments very significant losses of both staff and program as part of the City’s Downtown Redevelopment and expertise . Although the program received a 12% Revitalization Project . increase from FY2012 to FY2013 and was level funded in FY2014, the program is still operating at 18% below RESULT: Redevelopment of eight properties along FY2009 levels . As a result, the program is unable to fully the Ten Mile River that have been contaminated with meet key responsibilities such as keeping current with asbestos, heavy metals, PCBs, chlorinated solvents regulatory changes, maintaining oversight of compliance and other petroleum products due to and enforcement programs, and licensing hazardous historical commercial and industrial waste facilities in a timely manner . uses . The redevelopment also included a park with Economic Development & Brownfields a riverfront walking trail and road infrastructure to support The Bureau takes an active role in encouraging economic the transportation center . development through the Brownfields Support Team (BST), which provides focused technical, legal, and funding assistance for complex sites that have important

7 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Toxics Use Reduction 2210-0105

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $3,120,894 $3,120,894 $3,532,043 1

Office of Technical Assistance OTA currently has limited capacity to engage with newer or rapidly expanding manufacturing sectors such as The Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) helps businesses pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, renewable energy, reduce the use of toxic chemicals in the manufacturing aerospace and medical devices . Additional funding would of their products . OTA staff provide one-on-one direct allow for a more robust program that is able to specifically and confidential assistance to manufacturers to transition target many more small businesses and to anticipate to more environmentally benign methods of production . industry needs and challenges . Working in collaboration with the Toxics Use Reduction Institute and the Department of Environmental Protection, OTA brings in-the-field experience to chemical policy Recent Accomplishments development by the Administrative Council for the Over 350 recommendations OTA made to companies Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) . OTA also works with in FY2013 have already been implemented, resulting in businesses and municipalities on energy and water increased regulation compliance, reduced energy and conservation . water consumption, and pollution prevention . OTA also hosted a workshop to highlight health and safety aspects Funding History of working with insulation . The workshop was attended by 80 professionals such as builders, contractors, and OTA’s budget was slashed by almost 40% from inspectors . FY2009 to FY2013, resulting in 10 staff lay-offs — more than half of OTA’s staff — seriously handicapping the program. Initiatives Calling for Funding These cuts have severely curtailed outreach to business, With increased funding and staff capacity OTA could: transfer of information on new best management practices and cost saving approaches, and support for development • Provide targeted assistance to local governments of innovative technologies . and the regulated community, which will help reduce the likelihood of serious accidents resulting from poorly Through site visits and small business assistance, OTA managed hazardous processes . helps make Massachusetts’ industries safer, more • Increase outreach, for instance by hosting more cost-effective, more efficient, and globally competitive . accident prevention trainings throughout the During FY2013, more than half of OTA site visits were Commonwealth (last year the training was only offered to businesses with less than 100 employees . Prior to in three locations: Cambridge, Fall River, and North budget cuts during the economic downturn, OTA provided Andover) . assistance to schools, hospitals, departments of public works, and manufacturing facilities . In recent years, staff • Increase engagement with newer or rapidly reductions have forced OTA to scale back despite a 20% expanding manufacturing sectors and help them increase in demand . reduce toxics use and resource consumption .

1 Funding for this line-item is through retained revenues from fees and penalties on industry. The funds support the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), and DEP’s toxics use reduction work. The FY14 line-item total is $3,120,894; of that amount at least $644,096 is allocated to OTA and $1,657,449 is passed through to TURI at UMass Lowell, with the remaining funding supporting DEP’s toxics work. We recommend funding OTA at $1,055,245 in FY2015 to restore some of the deep cuts borne by the program and level fund TURI.

8 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 A Product Development Engineer from EMD Millipore Corporation, a Toxics Use Reduction Act 20th Anniversary Leader,® shows environmental design improvements made to the Mobius CellReady 3L Bioreactor.

Toxics Use Reduction Institute In 1989, Massachusetts proudly passed the Toxics Use Reduction Act, the first of its kind in the nation . The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), located at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, was established to help implement the Act . TURI provides professional training, research, and grants assistance to businesses and communities.

Implementation of the Toxics Use Reduction Act has resulted in a steady decline in the use of dangerous chemicals . From 2000 to 2011, companies reported a 20% decline in the use of dangerous chemicals, a 41% reduction in toxic byproducts, and a reduction in on-site releases of toxics to the environment by 70% .

Activities TURI provides grants and assistance to community groups, and small and large businesses . Current projects include:

• Leading a research consortium of companies in the aerospace and defense supply chain to evaluate safer alternatives to toxic chemicals . Phase I research on hexavalent chromium alternatives in sealants revealed promising alternatives . This research will help to reduce toxic chemical use and make Massachusetts companies compliant with new Department of Defense requirements .

• Working with dry cleaners to encourage them to stop using perchloroethylen, a likely human carcinogen known as “perc .” With the help of a recent $15,000 grant from TURI, KMK Cleaners in Walpole switched from using perc to professional wet cleaning, a safer alternative . With TURI’s help, more and more cleaners in Massachusetts are adopting professional wet cleaning .

• Providing seed grant funding for graduate students and faculty to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to hazardous materials currently used in industry .

9 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals 2260-8881

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $385,030 $384,470 $412,879

In 1993, in an effort to expedite the cleanups, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to privatize its hazardous waste site cleanup program . Individuals and companies that are financially responsible DEP emergency under Massachusetts law for assessing and cleaning response to up hazardous waste sites must retain a Licensed Site a release of mercury in Professional (LSP) to oversee the work . The Board Beverly. of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals (also known as the LSP Board) was established to license and regulate LSPs and ensure high standards of practice so that public health, welfare, and the environment are protected .

The primary goal of the LSP Board is to provide DEP and the public with confidence that waste site cleanups are being carried out by qualified professionals and meeting state standards.

Funding History Following budget cuts, in FY2011 the LSP Board was reduced by half, leaving it with just three staff . This staffing level severely impacts the program’s ability to fulfill its most important role as regulator and enforcer . Deep budget cuts have DEP exploring the privatizing of other agency responsibilities . Our experience with the LSP program and the reduction in oversight of cleanups due to budget reductions raises serious concerns about this model being expanded to other areas .

10 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Office of Watershed Management 2800-0101

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $1,010,223 $1,010,223 $1,455,310

The Office of Watershed Management • OWM maintains the state’s eligibility for federal (OWM) manages and protects the drinking disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding by water supply watersheds for approximately keeping the State Hazard Mitigation Plan updated 2.5 million residents of Massachusetts and in cooperation with the Massachusetts Emergency promotes water quality. Management Agency (MEMA) . DCR and MEMA are awaiting a decision regarding pending grant applications to FEMA for over $12M for hazard Funding History mitigation projects . Since FY2008, the program’s funding has been slashed by 65%. As of fall 2013, OWM staffing is down almost 20% compared to 2007 (13 staff Protecting Lives and Property using currently vs. 16 staff in 2007). Rainfall and Streamflow Data OWM coordinates two critical data collection networks: In addition to these staffing reductions, the decrease in the Massachusetts Rainfall Monitoring Network and the OWM’s budget has translated into less funding for: U .S . Geological Survey Stream Gage and Groundwater • Projects to remove invasive aquatic plants that are Network . Real-time and historic data from these choking our waterways; networks are used by diverse groups to protect lives, property, and the Real-time and historic • Lake assessments; environment, and to data provided by OWM are • Beach improvements; and better plan for future used by diverse groups water conditions • Technical and financial assistance to municipalities, lake to protect lives, property associations, and homeowners . including droughts, floods, and climate and the environment, More than half of OWM’s funding (close to change . OWM and to better understand $550,000) is earmarked for unrelated issues such scientists also play and plan for future water as the Thames River flood control PILOT payments an active emergency conditions including and the Town of Clinton’s reservoir, which is part response role at droughts, floods, and of the MWRA, leaving an operational budget of just MEMA during flood climate change. under $500,000 for all of OWM’s programs . emergencies .

Planning: Drought Management and Funding Needs State Hazard Mitigation In recent years, OWM has received requests to help • In 2013, OWM finalized updates to the statewide address aquatic invasive species such as the zebra Drought Management Plan that will guide decision mussel that is causing destruction to businesses and making and help the Commonwealth better anticipate private property . With additional funding, OWM would be and prepare for drought related impacts such as water positioned to play a key role . supply shortages, fire danger, and streamflow impacts .

11 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Stormwater Management 2800-0401

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $397,738 $405,042 $896,643

Stormwater runoff poses a serious 4,000 linear feet of associated drainage piping at 20 parks pollution threat to all water bodies in the and parkways throughout the state . This work is essential Commonwealth. The Stormwater Management to preventing flooding, restoring polluted streams and Program maintains over 400 miles of DCR beaches, and meeting the state’s federal obligations . parkways and 700 DCR facilities to ensure Recent work includes: that roads drain quickly and with minimal erosion and flooding of adjacent parklands and • Restoring Blair Pond in Cambridge, where dredging and properties. other restoration work will serve to improve water quality in the pond and downstream in Alewife Brook and the Funding History Mystic River . From FY2008 to FY2014, the stormwater • Permitting a restoration plan for Spring Pond, part of management operating budget was cut by 57%. This the Emerald Necklace, where unauthorized drainage is a major impediment in DCR’s ongoing efforts to comply connections overwhelmed DCR’s drainage system and with the stormwater management requirements of the caused erosion and flooding along the Jamaicaway . The federal Clean Water Act . restoration work is expected to be completed in 2014 .

• Collaborating with MassDOT to develop and implement Impact stormwater best management practices for accelerated In 2013, DCR inspected and cleaned approximately 3,800 bridge projects in the lower Charles River basin and other catch basins . DCR uses high-efficiency vacuum street MassDOT/DCR project areas . Improvements will help to sweepers on all roadways that discharge to polluted reduce pollutants in our waterways . streams . DCR also repaired 320 catch basins and over

Stormwater Management Program Untapped Opportunities responsibilities are broad and include: • street sweeping; With increased funding, the program could undertake pilot projects demonstrating the benefits of using permeable • trail maintenance; pavements on parking lots . For instance, by replacing the • removal of abandoned or dumped materials; existing surface at parking lots on Soldiers Field Road • responding to hazardous materials spills or releases; with permeable pavement, we would eliminate polluted stormwater discharge to the Charles River, • water quality sampling at DCR swimming facilities; replenish groundwater, and save money • catch basin and drainage outfall cleaning and repairs; on catch basin cleaning and • drinking water well services to ensure that DCR maintenance . properties are in compliance with environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act .

Constructed and restored stormwater & wetland meadows, DCR Alewife 12 Environmental League of Massachusetts // GreenReservation. Budget FY2015 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Office of Dam Safety 2800-0700

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $354,153 $355,263 $435,428

The Office of Dam Safety (ODS) plays a critical role in There are thousands of dams in Massachusetts, ensuring that dams are inspected and kept in a state of and many of them pose substantial risks. good repair . ODS maintains vital records on dam location, condition, and performance while exercising its authority Source: National Inventory of Dams, US Army Corps of Engineers to monitor the ongoing inspection, maintenance, operation, and repair of dams by dam owners .

Funding History ODS is responsible for regulating nearly 1,500 privately and publicly owned dams . Since FY2008, ODS’s budget has been cut 75% from $1 .4M to approximately $355,000 . These cuts significantly reduce ODS’s ability to comprehensively and effectively fulfill critical oversight, safety and enforcement functions .

Addressing Hazardous Dams Dams classified as High Hazard or Significant Hazard have Source: Local Financial Impact Review: Massachusetts Dam the potential to cause serious damage to life, property, and Safety Law, issued by Auditor of the Commonwealth, January 2011 public infrastructure and utilities in the event of failure .

Staff cuts have left ODS unable to effectively monitor unsafe dams in the Commonwealth . Given staff shortages, each engineer is currently responsible for an impossibly large workload of approximately 400 dams. Funds Needed to Meet New

Recent work includes repairs to: Responsibilities

• Echo Lake Dam in Princeton HIGH HAZARD Chapter 448 of the Acts of 2012 created new dam safety mandates and imposed additional requirements upon • Centennial Dam in Dedham HIGH HAZARD ODS . Unfortunately, these new mandates and requirements • Lost Wilderness Dams in Tolland SIGNIFICANT HAZARD were not accompanied by additional funding or resources to support effective implementation . • Dean Pond Dam in Brimfield SIGNIFICANT HAZARD

• Ruggles Dam in Wendell SIGNIFICANT HAZARD While dam safety and repairs are essential, additional funding would allow ODS to identify dams that • Hopkinton Reservoir Dam in Ashland HIGH HAZARD should be removed. Due to changes in industry, many ODS plans to repair the Aldrich Lake Dam in Granby dams no longer serve a purpose . When an obsolete dam is in FY2015 . SIGNIFICANT HAZARD removed, it’s a win-win – we restore rivers to a more natural state and remove the liability of a deteriorating dam .

13 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) State Parks and Recreation 2810-0100

FY 2013 with 9C cuts FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $39,929,387 $42,554,957 $53,748,330

The Department of Conservation and Recreation Benefits of DCR’s work manages over 450,000 acres of public land. From the Boston Harbor Islands to Mount Greylock, DCR Natural Disaster Recovery Aid provides a variety of recreational and cultural experiences Many communities rely on DCR to help with recovery from for Massachusetts residents and visitors . The agency’s natural disasters . Over the course of 2011 and 2012, campgrounds, trails, summits, historic Massachusetts was hit by numerous storms, including a areas, skating rinks, swimming pools, tornado, Hurricane Irene, and Superstorm Sandy . In each playgrounds, ball fields, and beaches of these instances, DCR played an integral emergency provide places for quiet enjoyment or response and public safety role . In addition, as one of active recreation, are an important the lead agencies in storm preparation and response connection to the natural world, and efforts, DCR played an important role in inspecting vital directly support Massachusetts’ $10B public safety and environmental infrastructure such as annual recreation economy . dams and coastal infrastructure . DCR personnel also In addition, DCR is responsible responded by providing immediate emergency cleanup for critical public infrastructure assistance and helped communities recover from the across the state including damaging effects of these storms by coordinating funding dams, seawalls, flood control programs that led to the restoration and reforestation structures, and bikeways . DCR of many public areas in affected communities . With also manages the drinking predictions for increased extreme weather events, water source for nearly 2 .5 adequate funding for DCR is essential . million people in the metropolitan Boston area . Hosting Special Events In addition to its routine responsibilities, DCR hosts several Funding History large-scale annual events such as the Head of the Charles DCR’s overall operating budget has been reduced Rowing Regatta, which attracts over 9,000 athletes and by nearly 30% since FY2009. The agency has lost 300,000 spectators to the Boston area, and Boston’s approximately 250 staff positions, reducing the overall Fourth of July Spectacular — attended by over half a workforce by more than 25% . DCR has become million people and televised for millions more to see . increasingly efficient, but the reductions in both full-time and seasonal staff translate directly into on-the-ground Providing Accessible Sidewalks impacts on service delivery – park supervision, forest fire In winter months, DCR is responsible for clearing its control, visitor services, natural resource protection and extensive network of parkways throughout the state and park safety and cleanliness . Since FY2010, this particular all DCR owned sidewalks in the metropolitan Boston area . line-item has been reduced by 9%, or $4M . Massachusetts residents rely on DCR for a safe commute and a safe walk to school after a snowfall .

14 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 Impact of Budget Cuts Outdoor Recreation and The severe budget cuts DCR has weathered have led to reduced access to state facilities . the Economy

Closure of Facilities “In Massachusetts, outdoor recreation generates $10B in annual consumer spending…The tax revenue The following facilities were closed or unstaffed during the attributed to outdoor recreation spending equals 2013 season: $739M annually.

• Chester-Blandford State Forest Spending on outdoor recreation also helps local • Windsor State Forest Day Use and Camping Areas businesses that hire Massachusetts residents . • Berry Pond in Harold Parker State Forest Approximately 90,000 jobs in the state are supported by this spending, accounting for $3 .5B in wages and • Fearing Pond Day Use Area in Myles Standish salaries . Much of that earned income is then spent in local State Forest communities, further magnifying the economic impact of • Massasoit State Park Camping Area outdoor recreation .” • Lake Lorraine State Park Source: The Return on Investment in Parks and Open Space • Streeter Point Recreation Area in Massachusetts, The Trust for Public Land, September 2013, • Gardner Heritage State Park page 6.

Without additional funding, many of these areas will continue to remain closed or unstaffed and camping seasons at many locations will remain shortened in 2014 . In order to provide more quality outdoor experiences to Massachusetts residents and visitors, it is essential that DCR staffing levels be increased .

15 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) DCR Seasonal Staff 2800-0501

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $12,456,552 $12,651,578 $14,651,578

Seasonal staff play a Funding Needs significant role in supporting Budget cuts have impeded DCR’s ability to provide a welcoming, safe, and DCR’s parks operations and positive experience for users of state parks, forests, beaches, and swimming comprise a considerable facilities . Although a $2M increase would not bring the seasonal account to pre- portion of the staff needed to FY2009 levels, it would provide the agency the flexibility to address many of its keep open critical recreational critical staffing needs in the field and seasonal staffing shortages that frequently amenities such as swimming result in closures or unstaffed areas . pools, campgrounds, and With these additional funds, DCR would have the ability to: skating rinks. • Increase staffing levels by an additional 150 to 175 individuals. Funding History • Lengthen the camping season at iconic properties. Since FY2009 this line-item has been - A longer season would unlock the potential for increased tourism dollars cut approximately $3 .2M (20%), for local and regional economies . Working with the Massachusetts Office forcing DCR to reduce its seasonal of Travel and Tourism, DCR could create a program that integrates workforce from the FY2009 level of DCR attractions and accommodations with other nearby attractions 2,325 to the current FY2014 level of and accommodations and offer visitors a multi-day experience, while 1,676 (a 28% reduction that translates promoting opportunities to support local economies through tourism . into 649 fewer seasonal staff) . - Lengthen the season at DCR skating rinks to better align with youth hockey seasons and make the best, widest use of the rinks . • Re-staff and re-guard many inland waterfront beaches and expand lifeguard services at coastal beaches that currently have limited guarded One of DCR’s areas . As a result, areas currently closed to swimming would be opened . popular spots - • Expand the swimming season at DCR pools and spray decks to open Walden Pond, earlier in the season . Concord.

NOW ONLY OPEN: Memorial Day – Labor Day

POSSIBLE WITH INCREASED FUNDING: mid-April – mid-October

NOW DON’T OPEN until mid-October

POSSIBLE WITH INCREASED FUNDNG: open in early Sept.

16 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Office of the Commissioner 2300-0100

FY 2013 with 9C cuts FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $708,559 $869,9791 $835,668

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for stewardship of the Commonwealth’s marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities. It is essential to fully fund and staff this line-item to provide policy guidance and oversight for DFG . Due to previous cuts, Commissioner’s Office positions that coordinate the functions of the four divisions remain unfilled . The Commissioner’s Office also includes theLand Protection Program, which identifies and protects the most ecologically important habitats throughout the Commonwealth . In FY2013, through DFG’s efforts, a total of 3,525 acres of critical fish and wildlife habitat in 26 The Commissioner’s Office supported the towns were protected, bringing the total number of acres 480-acre Maple Hill Farm Conservation Project under DFG’s care to just over 200,000 . Conservation lands acquired by DFG provide important habitat for a in West Stockbridge. This site includes a pond wide variety of common and rare species such as moose, and wetland complex that is habitat for several black bears, bobcats, bald eagles, Blanding’s turtles, and state-listed species of rare plants and animals timber rattlesnakes . and is superb habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. In addition, the Commissioner’s Office coordinates activities that support the Commonwealth’s economy, including Massachusetts’ growing environmental restoration economy, a multi-billion dollar marine fisheries industry, and marine, inland and public access recreational programs that support outdoor public recreation . According to the Outdoor Industry Association, in Massachusetts, outdoor recreation generates $10B in consumer spending .

The requested amount would help cover existing personnel expenses and correct a funding imbalance that has existed in the Office of the Commissioner .

1 Includes one-time $150k grant program for port recovery.

Maple Hill Farm Conservation Project in West Stockbridge.

17 Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration1 2300-0101

FY 2013 with 9C cuts FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $416,770 $494,488 $650,000

The Division of Ecological Restoration Recent Activities (DER) restores and protects the • Since 2009, DER has helped communities secure competitive non-state Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and funding awards totaling over $40M to complete restoration projects of local watersheds for the benefit of people and and statewide importance . the environment . At any given time, DER staff typically support over 70 - A 2013 award from the U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service of $10 .4M from restoration projects that improve Superstorm Sandy funding will enable DER to complete four ecological stream flow, protect drinking water, restoration projects in Southeastern MA . It is estimated that these four reduce flooding, restore habitat, and projects will generate 181 jobs and $25 .4M in economic output for provide fish passage. Communities rely the MA economy 2. These projects also enhance ecosystem services on DER’s expertise and timely technical that directly benefit communities . For example, the Muddy Creek assistance to help design, fund, and Estuary Restoration Project in Chatham and Harwich will improve construct projects that deliver significant water quality and help those two towns save millions of dollars in economic and environmental benefits wastewater infrastructure costs needed to meet mandatory water to municipalities . DER contributes to quality standards . Massachusetts’ growing restoration economy . • Dam Removals and Culvert Upgrades: DER assists communities with design and construction . At its present funding level, DER cannot keep up with the demand from communities seeking assistance with removal of Funding History deteriorating dams and replacement of undersized culverts that damage Budget cuts since FY2009 have kept the environment and threaten public health and safety . operational funds for this highly effective division below maintenance levels, resulting in lost opportunities to leverage additional non-state funding . Case Study: Whittenton Staffing has remained 20% below Dam Removal, Taunton FY2009 levels and cannot meet the growing demand from communities for Completed in 2013, this dam removal is part of a long- technical assistance on construction term project to restore the Mill River . The Whittenton Dam projects, including culvert replacements gained national attention in 2005 when it nearly failed during and dam removals . These projects not a large flood . Downtown Taunton had to be evacuated, and Pre-Removal only restore critical natural habitats but the city worked with state and federal agencies to complete also create local jobs, bolster the state’s emergency repairs . The dam removal project eliminated green economy, and help protect public a liability and major public safety hazard, and it will health and safety . increase migratory fish access to habitat in the upper Mill River watershed .

1 In 2009, the Department of Fish and Game’s Riverways Program was combined with the Wetlands Restoration Program, formerly part of MA Coastal Zone Management, to form DER . 2 MA EOEEA, Massachusetts Ecological Restoration Projects Receive $10 .4M in Federal Superstorm Sandy Funding, http://www .mass .gov/eea/pr-2013/eco-projects-funding .html, October 25, 2013 Post-Removal 18 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program 2310-0300

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $150,000 $150,000 $250,000

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is responsible for the conservation and protection of more than 430 species of plants and animals listed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern in Massachusetts.

Funding History In FY2004, the line-item for NHESP was eliminated from the budget and the program was forced to rely solely on federal grants, fees charged for environmental review services, and the small amount of funding generated by the check-off on the state income tax form .

In FY2012, the NHESP line-item was restored at $150,000 and has been maintained at that level . This was an important step in re-establishing a sound fiscal foundation for the program . Before the line-item was eliminated, funding for NHESP was more than half a million dollars . Pre-Removal Additional funding would enable the program to expand science, mapping, management, and restoration efforts .

Bald Eagle. State Status: Threatened

Post-Removal 19 Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries 2330-0100

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $4,812,8371 $5,509,0392 $5,387,887

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has a broad suite of responsibilities, including managing the fishery with the largest landing value in the nation in the City of New Bedford . The overall marine economy in Massachusetts generates approximately $5B in economic activity and revenue each year. Funding History Need for Additional Funding Although DMF has endured difficult With modest funding increases, DMF could enhance its use of sound science to budget cycles the past several years better understand the complexities of healthy and sustainable fish populations, (experiencing reductions of nearly which in turn would benefit the marine economy . 25% between FY2009 and FY2012), between FY2012 and FY2014 the The recommended level of funding would enable implementation of new DMF budget has been restored by programs and support improvements to existing programs: approximately 9% . Still, the growth • Launch a Massachusetts Seafood Marketing Program: In line with in size and value of Massachusetts recent recommendations by a legislature-appointed commission, DMF seeks fisheries has out-paced the state’s to raise public awareness of Massachusetts’ fisheries and the benefits of investment in its fisheries agency . consuming fresh, healthy seafood products, increasing demand for wild- caught seafood landed in-state . Over the past 10 years, DMF work has generated over • Improve Fisheries Management Support: All commercial fishermen and $20M in federal relief funds for seafood dealers in Massachusetts (over 8,500) must report the daily harvest, Massachusetts fishermen . purchase, and sales activities of all fresh seafood . Additional funding would enhance DMF’s research and development and ability to utilize electronic reporting devices . Streamlining current reporting practices, improving accuracy, and increasing efficiency will save time for permit holders and agency employees alike .

Revenue Enhancement Recommendation Revenues could be significantly enhanced by increasing a select group of commercial permit fees. For almost a quarter-century, fees for commercial harvester and seafood dealer permits issued by DMF have not increased. A modest permit fee increase in certain categories would align the Commonwealth’s fees with the cost of similar permits in other Atlantic coastal states and could be used to support recommended program development and enhancement.

1 Includes one-time earmark of $425,000 . 2 Includes one-time earmark of $675,000 .

20 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) DAR Administration 2511-0100

FY 2013 with 9C cuts FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended $4,722,151 $5,336,426 $5,506,927

Agriculture is a significant Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program contributor to the This first-in-the-nation voluntary program is one of the agency’s most Massachusetts economy. impactful. To date, the APR program has permanently protected • Massachusetts’ 7,700 farms generate over 840 farms with a total land area of nearly 70,000 acres of prime $516M in revenues to the state’s working landscapes. In FY2013, more than 1,350 acres of farmland were economy annually . permanently conserved .

• Greenhouse and nursery sales are The U .S . Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Ranch Lands Protection the top contributor to Massachusetts’ Program provides a 50% federal match on all approved APRs, offering an agriculture with sales estimated at enormous opportunity for the Commonwealth to conserve farmland and $158M . Cranberries, at $102M, were leverage federal resources . the next largest contributor . • It is estimated that local agriculture The Farm Viability Enhancement Program employs more than 14,000 people throughout the state . Since its inception in 1996, the program has helped farmers expand and improve their businesses: Funding History • 452 farms have been selected to participate; Despite a FY2014 increase in funding, • 386 farms have been protected by five or ten year covenants; and this line item remains below pre- • 73% of participating farmers invest additional capital beyond the grant recession budgetary levels . amount to implement business improvement strategies . Average additional investment: $31,800 per farm . Initiatives In addition to being an economic driver, beautiful working landscapes reflect Opportunities that Call for our heritage, help provide food security, Additional Funding and contribute to residents’ quality of With sufficient resources, DAR would expand programs life . DAR works with the agricultural such as: community to protect farmland, increase farm viability and profits, • Farm Energy: improves energy efficiency and facilitates and reduce the use of toxic the adoption of clean energy technologies . pesticides . DAR fosters sustainable • Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture Program: agricultural practices, while helping assists new and beginning farm businesses with start up to increase Massachusetts residents’ or expansion costs . access to locally grown food . • Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program: encourages Best Management Practices to improve environmental impacts .

21 Executive Office of Administration and Finance (A&F) Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS) 1790-xxxx1

FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 Recommended N/A N/A $700,000

MassGIS is responsible for Need for Additional Funding collecting, mapping and MassGIS is funded solely through a “chargeback” to executive agencies translating a wide array of data with no line-item in the general budget . This limits the program’s potential that has major applications contributions to planning and policy across all levels of government . in environmental protection, economic development, We propose the creation of a new line-item for $700,000 within the transportation, public safety, and Information Technology Division that would enable MassGIS to: health and human services. • Develop data and provide technical assistance to communities for The MA Executive Office of Energy modeling and planning for climate change such as identifying and & Environmental Affairs depends on mapping infrastructure at risk and developing plans for responding to major MassGIS services to support the work of weather events . agency staff responsible for water supply protection, endangered species mapping • Help answer questions regarding the best locations for development and habitat protection, ocean resources, and density levels, based on understanding locations offering existing alternative energy siting, environmental infrastructure, drinking water supply availability, job growth, and new permitting, and land conservation . development opportunities that will have minimal impact on natural resources . With additional funding, MassGIS can help with these decisions by extending its current mapping to more accurately track ongoing patterns of development.

With this funding MassGIS could fund two new staff positions and contract for LiDAR services — highly detailed elevation data — which is essential for identifying areas at risk from extreme weather events related to climate change. The data layer on this map represents the eight mega-drainage basins for MA. What does MassGIS map? Who relies Examples include: on MassGIS • Public water supplies and aquifers • Floodplains • Legislative districts • Rare species habitat information? • Shellfish sampling locations • Potential wind power sites State agencies, the regional planning • Canoe access points agencies, environmental and land trust MassGIS data informs hundreds of important decisions related to protecting organizations, educational institutions, the public and connecting people and services . and most cities and towns .

1 We propose the creation of a new line-item .

22 Environmental League of Massachusetts // Green Budget FY2015 ELM Board of Directors

Mr . George Bachrach, President, Environmental League of Massachusetts Mr . Henry Bell, Jr ., Manager of Data Delivery, NSTAR Mr . Roger Berkowitz, President and CEO, Legal Sea Foods Ms . Theresa Cohen, President, Negotiation Skills Company Mr . William G . Constable, Senior Vice President, A .W . Perry Mr . John A . Cronin, Town Administrator, Town of Milton (Retired) Mr . Seth D . Jaffe , Attorney, Foley Hoag LLP Ms . Namrita Kapur, Director of Strategy, Corporate Partnership Program, Environmental Defense Fund Ms . Anne Kelly, Co-Director of Policy, CERES Ms . Virginia Lawrence, Senior Grants and Project Administrator, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (Retired) Ms . Bethany LeBlanc, Assistant VP, Operations Change & Communication, State Street Bank Mr . Rick Mattila, Former Director of Environmental Affairs, Genzyme Ms . Linda Orel, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Mr . Matt Patsky, CEO, Trillium Asset Management Mr . Pete Pedersen, Managing Partner, Renova Partners/Brightfields Development Mr . John Quealy, Managing Director in Equity Research, Canaccord Genuity Ms . Ann C . Roosevelt, Environmental Activist Ms . Gwen Ruta, Vice President for Corporate Partnerships, Environmental Defense Fund Mr . Tedd Saunders, President, Eco-Logical Solutions Mr . Rob Tuchmann, Partner, Wilmer Hale (Retired) Ms . Ann Fowler Wallace, Director of Programs, Funders’ Network for Smart Growth & Livable Communities

ELM Staff

George Bachrach, President Nancy Goodman, Vice President for Policy Ken Pruitt, Managing Director Eugenia Gibbons, Program Director Erica Mattison, Legislative Director Eileen Mullen, Office Manager Kaelin Holland, Program Associate

Environmental League of Massachusetts 14 Beacon Street, Suite 714 Boston, MA 02108 www.environmentalleague.org

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ELM Green Budget FY2015 designed by Yvette Perullo “Without the soaring birds, without the great forests, the free-flowing streams, the sight of the clouds by day, and the stars by night, we become impoverished in all that makes us human.” – Thomas Berry

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